The power of BLUE Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Summit (BLUE) to catalyze cultural change and shift global consciousness has drawn an A-list of international ocean stars from all walks of life, year after year. Monaco, with its legendary commitment to ocean stewardship, was chosen as the European venue for BLUE, as the festival continues to expand its international reach. Monaco's idyllic environment and remarkable landscape is made all the more dramatic by the legendary Oceanographic Museum etched into its sea cliff where BLUE 2015 will be held November 6-9.
Extraordinary people, stories and discoveries will take center stage in a series of exciting presentations, events and world premieres. BLUE 2015's mission is to inspire as many people as possible, along with an emphasis on enlightening global leaders and policy makers through engaging films with ocean conservation messaging that will ignite collaborations and tangible solutions.
Founded in 2009, BLUE has become renowned for its unique ability to inspire public passion for ocean conservation and spark important discussions among world leaders in ocean science, conservation and exploration. It has since become a major international platform for professional development among industry leaders, students, artists, and marine enthusiasts. Advanced ocean technologies are showcased in concert with inspiring films, celebrity appearances, and an amazing and diverse collection of other related programs.
Monaco became a confirmed site for the Festival in 2013 when a strategic partnership was announced in collaboration with the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. BLUE now takes place in Monaco every other year, alternating with its US base in St. Petersburg, Florida. In his closing remarks at the BLUE 2013 announcement, HSH Prince Albert II emphasized both the need to shift global consciousness and the power of BLUE to help do this. "This event uses the power of film, photography, entertainment and science to educate, empower and inspire ocean stewardship around the globe," he said. "To awaken consciousness toward environmental protection more effectively, our best weapons are those that win over our hearts and minds."
While BLUE 2015 will focus on global ocean issues, including the ocean's role in climate change, international attention will be drawn to Monaco's commitment to environmental sustainability and ocean conservation as ocean leaders and filmmakers convene on its shores three weeks prior to COP21 to help put forward ocean solutions to climate change.
Monaco - The site of 2015 BLUE Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Summit
BLUE 2015 is not only being hosted by the Principality of Monaco, but has been granted H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco's High Patronage for the Festival along with a commitment to participate. A favorite destination, The New York Times named Monaco a top global place to visit in 2014. The nation has one of the highest concentrations of marine science in the world, including the famous Oceanographic Museum, formerly directed by Jacques Cousteau, renowned for extraordinary exhibits and research. Monaco is also a champion in sustainability, with environmental statutes protecting twenty percent of the nation's land area, and two protected marine areas. Learn more about Monaco at Visit Monaco.
BLUE Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Summit
BLUE is an international non-profit organization that uses the power of film, visual arts, entertainment, and science to inspire ocean stewardship around the world. The annual Festival has become the premier watering hole for scientist, filmmakers, explorers, artists, government leaders, celebrities and ocean enterprises, providing a springboard for individual empowerment and policy action to help save Earth's blue life support system, the 71% percent of the planet's surface that is ocean. Its traveling BLUE On Tour has presented educational outreach events to thousands of people in China, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and through partnership with the United Nations.
"Ocean issues urgently need our attention and not just for the well being of future generations, but for the health of our own children. If humanity's life support system is lost, little else matters. I believe film and entertainment are the most powerful tools we have for reaching a large number of people in a short amount of time, hopefully before our only choice is crisis management," said Debbie Kinder, Co-Founder and CEO of BLUE.
Partnerships with BLUE
BLUE sponsorships are win-win collaborations that provide unprecedented media coverage for ocean-friendly partners. BLUE nurtures special relationships among business and industry leaders, policy makers, conservation icons, and entertainment executives beyond the Festival to media exposure through BLUE on Tour and other global outreach activities. Benefits include visibility and brand awareness for new products and programs to its broad demographic and unique media outlets as well as networking opportunities to align with social causes, VIPs and celebrities.
In 2014, the BLUE Ocean Film Festival, held in St. Petersburg, Florida, received national and international media coverage before, during and after the Festival. Through print, radio, television and online outlets BLUE 2014 hosted over 100+ members of the press from outlets worldwide, receiving 493 million media impressions and generating 8,216 editorial articles.
For more information about attendance, media coverage or sponsorships, click here.
